Red Apple Ground Cover Replacement for Shady Hillside

Red apple (Aptenia cordifolia) dying on steep, shady San Diego hillside under silver oak and pepper trees. Owner seeks fungal-resistant replacements.

Initial Recommendations (Sunny Assumption)

• Perennial grasses (mow in spring).
• Creeping juniper (slow).
• Creeping phlox/thrift (spring flowers).
• Liriope, Asian jasmine, wildflowers.
• Contact County Extension (ucanr.edu) for native options.

Revised for Shade

• Thrift (still good).
• Mints, sedums, salvias.
• Avoid juniper in shade.
• Browse laspilitas.com for photos.
• Mix species for resilience.

Keep existing red apple until replacements establish; it may rebound in warmth.